Haring Alabel

A Personal Reflection on the 2022 Inaugurations by Christian Jay S. Laya, LPT, CSPE- HGE, MAPS (CAR) Attending both the inaugurations of President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte in 2022 was an eye-opening experience that revealed a stark contrast in their audiences. VP Sara’s inauguration was a gathering of the masses—the ordinary Filipinos, the so-called masa, who came with genuine enthusiasm and deep admiration. The energy was raw, organic, and full of patriotic spirit. It was a celebration where the people felt included, close to the leader they supported. On the other hand, PBBM’s inauguration had a more structured and exclusive feel. The crowd near the main event consisted largely of the political and social elites—people from the alta sociedad. Meanwhile, the common people, who had also placed their hopes in him, were pushed far back, enduring the scorching sun and the discomfort of standing near filthy portalets, surrounded by the pollution of the nation’s capit...

The Legacy of Great Leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa: A Reflection for Mindanao by Christian Jay Laya It is an honor to draw a meaningful comparison between Mindanao and sub-Saharan Africa — two regions rich in culture, history, and the spirit of resilience. While geographically distant, both share a parallel story of struggle, liberation, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Sub-Saharan Africa has produced some of the most influential leaders in history, individuals who not only shaped their own nations but also inspired movements for freedom and equality worldwide. Their legacies provide valuable lessons for Mindanao as it continues its own journey of peace and development. One of the most iconic figures from sub-Saharan Africa is Kwame Nkrumah, the theorist of Pan-Africanism and the leader of Ghana's national liberation. Nkrumah's vision went beyond the independence of his own country — he dreamed of a united Africa, free from colonialism and neocolonial control. His call ...